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Articles tagged with "electric-motors"

  • German firm's temperature prediction tech for motor boosts EV range

    German automotive supplier ZF has developed an AI-based temperature prediction technology, TempAI, that significantly improves the accuracy of electric motor temperature forecasts by over 15 percent. This advancement enables more precise thermal management, allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to extract up to 6 percent more peak power and achieve verifiable efficiency gains during standardized WLTP driving cycles. The technology also reduces energy consumption by 6 to 18 percent under dynamic driving conditions, such as on demanding tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife. TempAI operates without requiring additional hardware, relying solely on AI models that use existing control units with low computational demands, making it cost-effective and ready for series production in ZF’s new generation of electric motors. The AI platform automatically generates physically based models from extensive measurement data, capturing complex internal motor processes that are otherwise difficult or costly to measure directly. Beyond performance benefits, TempAI contributes ecological advantages by enabling optimized thermal designs that reduce the use of heavy rare earth materials and short

    energyelectric-vehiclesAI-technologyelectric-motorstemperature-predictionthermal-managementefficiency-optimization
  • An Electric Solar & Sail-Powered Catamaran — The MODX 70 - CleanTechnica

    The MODX 70 is a fully electric catamaran that distinguishes itself from many so-called "eco" vessels, which often rely on diesel engines and hybrid systems despite marketing themselves as environmentally friendly. Unlike these hybrids, the MODX 70 operates solely on electric power combined with sail propulsion, eliminating the use of fossil fuels. It features 70m² of advanced NME3 solar panels capable of generating up to 15 kWp, covering about 35% of its energy needs, and a 250 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery bank for safe, long-lasting energy storage. The vessel is powered by four electric motors delivering a total of 40 kW and can cruise 110 nautical miles at 5 knots on battery power alone. When sailing with adequate sunlight and battery storage, its range is effectively unlimited, with speeds varying from approximately 10 to 18 knots depending on wind conditions. Additionally, the MODX 70 includes a variable-pitch propeller system

    energysolar-powerelectric-motorsbatterieshybrid-technologysustainable-transportationrenewable-energy
  • Dusty Robotics designs FieldPrinter 2 robot with PMD motion controllers - The Robot Report

    Dusty Robotics, a startup based in Mountain View, California, has developed the FieldPrinter 2, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) designed to map and mark 3D building designs onto 2D construction floors with high precision (0.0625-inch accuracy). This innovation addresses longstanding inefficiencies in the construction industry, where traditional manual layout methods—such as using tape measures, chalk lines, or total stations—often lead to errors, rework, and delays. By automating the marking process, the FieldPrinter 2 helps construction teams reduce reliance on physical blueprints and digital devices onsite, improving accuracy and workflow. A key component enabling the FieldPrinter 2's precise operation is the integration of Performance Motion Devices’ (PMD) ION/CME N-series motion controller-drives. These controllers power the robot’s two front brushless DC motors, providing advanced motion control, network connectivity, and onboard processing capabilities. The PMD controllers allow Dusty Robotics to overcome previous

    robotautonomous-mobile-robotmotion-controllersconstruction-automationDusty-Roboticselectric-motorsAMR-technology
  • Volvo Cars Plans to Build Polestar 7 at Kosice, Slovakia Plant - CleanTechnica

    Volvo Cars and Polestar have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to develop and produce the Polestar 7, a premium fully electric compact SUV, at Volvo’s new manufacturing plant in Kosice, Slovakia. The Polestar 7 is planned for launch in 2028 and will be the second vehicle produced at the Kosice facility, following a next-generation Volvo model yet to be announced. The vehicle will share technology and components with upcoming Volvo models such as the Volvo EX60, including advanced features like mega casting, cell-to-body battery technology, next-generation battery density, and Volvo’s in-house developed electric motors. This shared technology approach aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable continuous feature updates via over-the-air software improvements. The Kosice plant, currently under construction with an investment of approximately EUR 1.2 billion, will be Volvo Cars’ third European manufacturing site and is designed to be climate-neutral, producing only electric vehicles. It will complement Volvo’s existing plants in Gh

    electric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-efficiencyautomotive-manufacturingelectric-motorsclean-energyover-the-air-updates
  • Pedal Like A Pony: Meet Ford’s Mustang & Bronco E-Bikes - CleanTechnica

    Ford has entered the e-bike market with two distinct models, the Mustang and Bronco e-bikes, manufactured and distributed by N Plus North America Corp. under license. Both bikes feature a powerful 750W rear-hub motor delivering up to 85Nm of torque, paired with a 48V 720Wh battery that provides up to 60 miles of range and supports speeds up to 28 mph with pedal assist. The power unit is notably lightweight at 4.2 kg, offering an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 178.6 W/kg. These e-bikes blend Ford’s automotive heritage with premium engineering to deliver strong performance on both urban streets and rugged trails. The Mustang e-bike is designed for urban riders, featuring styling inspired by the iconic car, including a sculpted frame and vibrant color options like Race Red and Grabber Blue. It includes a torque sensor and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain for smooth, responsive power delivery, making it ideal for commuting and city exploration

    energyelectric-bikesbattery-technologyelectric-motorssustainable-transportationFord-MustangFord-Bronco
  • Adventure Tours of Kanab Now Offers Off-Road Tours In A Tesla Cybertruck - CleanTechnica

    Adventure Tours of Kanab, Utah, now offers off-road tours using Tesla Cybertrucks, showcasing the vehicle’s surprising capability on challenging terrain. Bruce, the tour operator, runs these tours with an all-wheel-drive Cybertruck equipped with all-season tires and custom off-road seats in the truck bed, accommodating up to eight passengers. The tours cover iconic local trails such as the Wave hike, South Coyote Buttes, White Pocket, and the Peek-a-Boo slot canyons, which require traversing several miles of deep sand—terrain not typically associated with heavy vehicles like the 6,700 lb Cybertruck. The three-hour tour begins in downtown Kanab and quickly moves to the dunes, where Bruce expertly drives the Cybertruck with tires at 30 PSI, allowing the vehicle to float over sand and navigate through juniper trees. The electric truck’s quiet operation enhances the experience, offering a unique blend of adventure and nature appreciation. Highlights include sandboarding down dunes and a guided hike through

    energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Cybertruckoff-road-tourssustainable-transportationelectric-motorsclean-energy
  • BMW confirms launch date for new EV to compete with Tesla Model 3

    BMW has confirmed that production of its new electric vehicle, the i3 Neue Klasse sedan, will begin in July 2026, with deliveries expected in early 2027. This next-generation i3 marks a significant shift from the previous quirky hatchback to a sleek sedan designed to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3 in the premium electric sedan segment. Built on BMW’s fully reengineered Neue Klasse platform, the i3 will feature multiple trims, including performance-focused variants like the i3 M60 xDrive, which is rumored to produce up to 630 horsepower—surpassing the Tesla Model 3 Performance’s 510 horsepower and 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. A key highlight of the new i3 is its advanced Gen6 battery technology, which uses cylindrical cells offering 20% more energy density than the current Gen5 pouch cells. This innovation is expected to increase driving range by 25% while reducing weight and cooling requirements. The i3 50

    energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyBMW-i3EV-rangefast-chargingelectric-motors
  • New Mercedes 1,341-hp electric hypercar rockets to 223 mph top speed

    Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the GT XX concept, a futuristic four-door electric hypercar that previews the brand’s high-performance electric future. Powered by three axial flux motors producing a combined 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW), the GT XX achieves a top speed exceeding 223 mph (359 km/h). The car features advanced aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.198, making it one of the most streamlined AMG vehicles ever. Its design is radical and unique, including a fish-like nose with an oversized grille, vertically stacked headlights, and a coupe-like roofline without a rear window, creating a dramatic silhouette reminiscent of the Polestar 4. The GT XX is packed with cutting-edge technology and futuristic styling, such as 21-inch active aero wheels that adjust for brake cooling and airflow, luminescent paint on side skirts, and a programmable MBUX Fluid Light Panel with over 700 RGB LEDs on the rear fascia for communication with pedestrians and other vehicles.

    electric-vehiclesenergy-storagebattery-technologyelectric-motorsautomotive-materialsvehicle-aerodynamicssmart-lighting-systems
  • Bugatti Tourbillon's monster V16 unleashes 1,800 hp, 9,000 rpm

    Bugatti has unveiled the Tourbillon, a new hybrid hypercar that succeeds the Chiron and features a groundbreaking 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. This engine produces 1,800 horsepower and revs up to 9,000 rpm, marking a departure from the quad-turbocharged W16 engines used in previous models. The Tourbillon’s powertrain integrates this V16 with a hybrid system co-developed with Rimac, combining the combustion engine with three electric motors—two on the front axle and one integrated into the rear transmission—that collectively add 800 horsepower for a total output of 1,800 hp. The hybrid system is designed to enhance performance by providing instant torque at low speeds, reducing lag, and enabling advanced features like torque vectoring through the high-revving rear electric motor. A 24.8-kWh, 800-volt T-shaped battery pack is embedded into the carbon composite monocoque chassis to

    hybrid-vehiclesV16-engineelectric-motorsbattery-technologyautomotive-energy-systemshigh-performance-powertraintorque-vectoring
  • UK inventor's Transformers-styled robot becomes shape-shifting vehicle

    British inventor James Bruton has created a functional, rideable Transformer-style robot that can smoothly shift between humanoid and vehicle forms. Unlike many previous Transformer replicas that lack passenger space, Bruton's design allows him to ride the robot like a kid’s Power Wheels car. The robot incorporates 16 motors—including RC servos, Dynamixel servos, and DC brushed motors—and uses a Teensy microcontroller to control folding body panels, wheel movement, and LED lighting. Its legs are primarily decorative, and the robot folds into a fully operational electric vehicle capable of carrying Bruton at modest speeds. Bruton’s invention showcases practical engineering with a focus on stability, reliability, and refined aesthetics. The robot’s lightweight aluminum extrusion frame supports significant weight while maintaining nimbleness, and 3D printing has enabled rapid design iteration. To address challenges like shifting center of gravity during transformation, Bruton implemented a robust suspension system and balanced weight distribution. While the robot cannot yet walk in humanoid form, it represents

    robotroboticselectric-motors3D-printingmicrocontrollershape-shifting-vehicleengineering-innovation
  • Helix reveals new aircraft design that cuts flight fuel use by 90%

    Helix, a UK-based electric motor specialist, has unveiled a radical aircraft design aimed at cutting fuel consumption on very short-haul flights (under 250 nautical miles) by up to 90 percent. Their new blueprint, detailed in the white paper “A New Architecture for Aviation,” proposes a three-step redesign for regional and private aircraft that combines a hybrid electric system, lightweight high-density motors, and ducted fan propulsion. This approach reduces fuel burn from around 230 kg per flight to just 23.8 kg, offering a practical path to significantly lower emissions and operating costs using existing technology. The design targets a market segment that accounts for over a quarter of global air traffic and faces high fuel costs, especially as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) become more expensive. Helix’s solution centers on series hybridization, which pairs a compact liquid-fuel generator with batteries, enabling electric-only operation during critical phases like takeoff and landing, and fuel-powered battery recharging during cruise. This hybrid

    energyhybrid-electric-aircraftfuel-efficiencyaviation-technologysustainable-aviation-fuelselectric-motorsshort-haul-flights
  • New thermobaric robot tank burns enemies in half-a-mile range

    robotunmanned-ground-vehiclethermobaricmilitary-technologydrone-warfareelectric-motorsbattlefield-innovation